Infant nutrition is the foundation of healthy growth and development, especially during the first year of life.
Global health experts strongly recommend breastfeeding as the ideal source of nourishment for infants, as breast milk provides a unique combination of nutrients and immune-boosting components that support both physical and cognitive development.
However, not all mothers can breastfeed their babies, due to medical, personal, or lifestyle reasons. In such cases, infant formula serves as a safe and healthy alternative, specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing babies.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants who are not breastfed should receive iron-fortified infant formula, rather than cow’s milk, throughout their first year. Modern formula is carefully formulated to provide balanced amounts of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals in forms that are easy for infants to digest and absorb—ensuring they receive the essential nutrients needed for healthy development.
When should we use formulas?
Health experts agree that breastfeeding is the healthiest option for both mom and baby. They recommend that babies feed only on breast milk for the first 6 months, and then continue to have breast milk as a main part of their diet until they are at least 1 and better 2 years old.
However, there are several circumstances in which formula feeding is recommended by doctors:
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When breastfeeding is not possible or insufficient:
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Some mothers have very low milk supply or other lactation difficulties that prevent the baby from getting enough breast milk.
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If the mother has certain infections (e.g. HIV with high viral load) or is taking specific medications (such as chemotherapy drugs) that could harm the baby.
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If a baby isn’t gaining enough weight or seems constantly hungry, doctors may recommend supplementing or switching to formula.
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In rare cases, certain infant medical conditions (such as classic galactosemia) make breast milk unsuitable.
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When the infant has specific health needs:
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Some babies have intolerance or allergies that make breast milk (or standard formula) unsuitable. For example, while true lactose intolerance is rare in infants, a baby with congenital lactase deficiency cannot digest the lactose in breast milk and would need a lactose-free formula. Babies with a cow’s milk protein allergy cannot tolerate dairy in breast milk (if the mother consumes dairy) and often require a hypoallergenic formula.
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In extremely rare cases, infants may have metabolic disorders like phenylketonuria that require a special formula without certain amino acids.
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When breastfeeding is contraindicated for the mother:
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Some mothers have health conditions (e.g. active tuberculosis, HIV, or are on certain medications like chemotherapy) where breastfeeding may pose a risk to the baby. In such cases, formula feeding is the safer and recommended alternative.
Types of infant formula
There are quite a few different types of baby formula to choose from. Options include:
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Cow’s Milk-Based Formula
This is the most widely used type and often the first one doctors suggest. Although it starts from cow’s milk, it’s carefully processed to suit an infant’s digestion—proteins are modified, lactose is added, and essential fats, vitamins, and minerals are included.
Most babies tolerate this formula well. However, if your baby shows signs of an allergy or galactose intolerance, your doctor might recommend a different type.
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Hypoallergenic Formula (Protein Hydrolysate)
For babies with allergies or sensitivities—especially to milk protein hypoallergenic formulas are a good choice. They contain proteins that are broken down into smaller, more digestible parts.
There are two types:
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Partially hydrolyzed: Proteins are only partly broken down.
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Extensively hydrolyzed: Proteins are broken down more thoroughly and are often used for babies at high risk of allergies.
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Soy-Based Formula
Soy formula is plant-based and completely free of lactose. It’s typically used in cases like galactosemia (a rare metabolic disorder), or by families following a vegan diet.
While it’s a useful alternative, some babies with milk protein allergies may also react to soy, so it's important to check with a doctor before using it.
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Lactose-Free Formula
Though rare, some infants are born with conditions like congenital lactase deficiency or lactose intolerance that prevent them from digesting lactose. In such cases, a lactose-free formula is essential.
More commonly, some babies may temporarily struggle with lactose digestion after a bout of diarrhea, but this usually resolves on its own. It’s important to distinguish this from a milk protein allergy, which involves the immune system and can cause serious reactions. For true allergies, a hypoallergenic, lactose-free formula is typically recommended.
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Organic Formula
Organic formulas are made with ingredients from certified organic farming—meaning they’re free from GMOs, pesticides, and synthetic additives. They offer the same nutrition as regular formulas but appeal to parents seeking a more natural option. However, they often come at a higher price.
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Specialized Formula
Some babies need formulas tailored to specific health conditions:
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Premature babies: may need higher-calorie, protein-rich formulas to support growth.
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Babies with reflux (GERD): might benefit from anti-reflux formulas, which are thicker and help reduce spit-up.
How Do Doctors Choose the Best Infant Formula?
There’s no single formula that works for every baby. Pediatricians recommend the formula that best suits a child’s age, health, and digestion—prioritizing safety, nutrition, and tolerance. Here’s what they consider:
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Is the formula age-appropriate?
Doctors ensure the formula matches the baby’s developmental stage:
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Stage 1 formulas are designed for newborns up to 6 months.
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Stage 2 or “follow-on” formulas are often used after 6 months, with extra nutrients like iron or calcium.
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By 12 months, babies are usually ready to transition to whole milk and solid foods formula is rarely needed beyond that unless medically advised
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Is the formula safe and high quality?
Doctors ensure infant formula is free of harmful substances by recommending only products that meet strict international safety standards. These formulas must be:
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Nutritionally complete and tested for contaminants like heavy metals, bacteria, and pesticide residues.
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Free from unsafe additives, excessive sugars, or packaging materials like BPA.
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Clinically proven or widely used with a strong safety record.
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Produced by reputable manufacturers and approved by regulatory bodies such as the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), in alignment with international health standards set by organizations like the WHO and Codex Alimentarius.
Pediatricians strongly advise against homemade or unregulated formulas, as they can be unsafe or nutritionally inadequate.
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Does it contain DHA and ARA?
DHA and ARA are healthy fats found in breast milk that support a baby’s brain and eye development. Studies show that babies who get these nutrients whether through breast milk or formula tend to have better vision and brain function.
Because of this, most baby formulas today include DHA and ARA (often from fish or plant oils). While they’re not strictly essential (babies can grow without them), they’re considered very helpful, and most doctors prefer formulas that contain them.
Doctors also look for other helpful nutrients in formula, like iron (to prevent anemia), lutein (for eye health), and prebiotics or probiotics (for digestion). But the most important thing is that the formula is nutritionally complete and suits your baby.
The 3 Best Baby Formulas on the market
While no single formula brand is perfect for every baby, some have earned strong reputations for quality, safety, and research support. Pediatricians often recommend well-established brands, especially those commonly used in hospitals.
Below are three of the most recommended brands and why doctors trust them.
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NAN Optipro
NAN Optipro, produced by Nestlé, is a widely trusted formula recommended by pediatricians across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. What sets it apart is its "Optipro" protein blend—a carefully adjusted amount of high-quality whey protein designed to be closer to breast milk and easier on the baby’s digestion.
NAN Optipro is also enriched with DHA and ARA to support brain and eye development, as well as 2’-FL (a Human Milk Oligosaccharide) and probiotics to promote gut health and support the immune system—making it one of the most advanced formulas available.
Many parents choose NAN Optipro for its balanced and gentle formula, especially in case of needing extra immune support for their children. It is available in different stages tailored to each age: NAN 1 from birth to 6 months, NAN 2 from 6 to 12 months, and NAN 3 for children aged 1 to 3 years.
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Similac Gold
Similac Gold is a premium formula from Abbott Laboratories, designed to closely resemble the benefits of breast milk. It includes advanced ingredients like HMOs (2’-FL) for immune support, DHA and lutein for brain and eye development, and is also iron-fortified with ARA and other essential nutrients.
One standout feature is that it's palm olein oil-free, which may improve calcium absorption and stool consistency. Similac Gold is widely recommended by doctors, especially for parents seeking a formula with strong immune and digestive benefits. It’s often viewed as one of the closest formulas to breast milk in terms of added nutritional value.
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Aptamil
Aptamil, developed by Danone, is a well-established European formula brand known for its focus on gut health and digestive comfort. A standout feature is its unique prebiotic blend of GOS and FOS (in a patented 9:1 ratio), which helps support a healthy gut microbiome—similar to the effect of HMOs in breast milk.
Many Aptamil formulas also contain 2’-FL HMO, along with DHA and ARA for brain and eye development. All stages are iron-fortified and designed to support infants’ nutritional needs from birth onward. Some variants also include prebiotics and are made without added sucrose, making them a clean and gentle option for sensitive babies.
Aptamil comes with multiple versions—such as Aptamil 1, Aptamil 2, and Aptamil lactose free —it offers solutions tailored to different stages and needs, making it a trusted choice for many families around the world.
Frequently asked questions about infant formula
Q: How much formula does my baby need?
Newborn babies need quite small amounts of formula to start with. The amount will vary from baby to baby.
Although most babies settle into a feeding pattern eventually, they vary in how often they want to feed and how much they want to drink.
Feed your baby when they show signs that they want it. Babies tend to feed little and often, so they may not finish their bottle. Having a big feed does not mean your baby will go longer between feeds.
Q: Can I mix breastfeeding and formula feeding?
Yes, many families combine both methods—this is called combination feeding. It’s commonly used when mothers have low milk supply, return to work, or want others to help with feeding. It’s usually best to establish breastfeeding in the first few weeks before introducing formula. Gradually replacing one feed at a time can help the baby adjust while maintaining your milk supply. Combination feeding is safe and can be a flexible solution for both mother and baby.
Q: How do I know if my baby is getting enough formula?
The best indicators are your baby’s weight gain and nappy output. By a few days after birth, your baby should have around 6 wet nappies per day. they should feel heavy and contain clear or pale yellow urine. When it comes to dirty nappies, expect at least 1 poo a day. Early on, the stool will be dark and sticky (meconium), but it should turn yellow or light brown within the first week.
Babies are weighed at birth and again during the first week. After that, routine weight checks usually happen at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, and again at 1 year. All of this is typically recorded in your baby’s Personal Child Health Record.
Q: Can I use bottled water to make up infant formula?
Bottled water is not recommended for preparing infant formula because it is not usually sterile and may contain high levels of sodium (salt) or sulfates, which are not suitable for babies.
The safest option is to use clean tap water that has been boiled and then cooled to the appropriate temperature before mixing with formula. This helps ensure the feed is safe and free from harmful bacteria.
